Suppressors Texas – How To Purchase A Suppressor In Texas
A silencer or suppressor in Texas is any device that can be attached to a firearm be it a rifle or pistol that lowers or muffles the report of a firearm. Silencers are allowed for use in Texas for multiple reasons.
- Hunting
- Home Defense
- Hearing Protection
- Any Legal Use As Authorized By Texas Law
Almost all suppressors attach to the firearm by use of threads which screw on to a threaded barrel. Threads can be added to your existing barrel by a qualified Texas gunsmith. A silencer can lower the sound of a gun shot by as much as 45 decibels and even more in custom builds.
Where Can I Buy A Suppressor In Texas ?
There are multiple manufactures of various types of suppressors that are readily available, however it is not an item that one can just run out and purchase off the shelf. Silencers or suppressors are regulated items and as such fall under the authority of the National Firearms Act (NFA ) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
Requirements For Legally Purchasing A Suppressor In Texas
- You must be a resident of the State of Texas
- You must be at the least 21 years of age
- You must be a resident of the United States
- You must be legally able to purchase a firearm
- You must be able to pass a ATF background check
- You must pay a fee of $200 to the ATF for each suppressor you purchase
Suppressors Are Designated As A Class 3 Firearms In Texas
Silencers and suppressors are designated as Class 3 Firearms by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. They are regulated items under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
These regulations were passed by the federal government on June 26, 1934 as a means to discourage unscrupulous persons from obtaining Class 3 weapons and lengthening prison sentences for those to be found in violation of the law.
Types of Suppressors and Silencers
- Rimfire: Rimfire silencers or suppressors are designed for low pressure, low power cartridges such as the .22 or .17hmr. These types of suppressors are not designed to handle the higher pressures of rifle type ammunition. Having been designed to handle lower pressures and lower power it is highly advised not to use these types of silencers on a rifle. Because they are designed to handle lower pressures these types of silencers are normally the most affordable and make for a great entry level suppressor.
- Rifle : Rifle silencers and suppressor are designed to handle the high pressures associated with center fire cartridges. These types of silencers are designed to handle cartridges up to .50 BMG. They can be pricey in cost however, what is your hearing worth ?
- Pistol: Pistol silencers and suppressor are designed to handle the lower pressures of handgun rounds and may even be used with some of the sub-sonic ammunition’s that are on the market.
Purchasing A Suppressor In Texas
Once you have found the authorized dealer you wish to do business with do not hesitate to ask for their recommendations as to the best suppressor to fit your needs.
Once you have found the suppressor you wish to purchase you will need to fill out a Form 4 which will be sent to the ATF for approval. Most dealers will help you with this paperwork. You will not be able to take possession of the suppressor until this process has completed. It can take several months for this process to complete so be patient. The following forms must be submitted to the ATF.
- The Form 4 along with these additional documents must be sent to the ATF
- The ATF Form 4 in duplicate
- $200 Check to the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives – ATF
- FBI Form FD-258s which must be in black ink
- Passport photos
If purchasing as a gun trust ATF Form 5320.23
The last thing you need to do is send a copy of your Form 4 to the local Chief Law Enforcement Official. This is required by law unless your purchasing as a gun trust which affords you more privacy.
What Is A Gun Trust And How Does It Afford You More Privacy ?
A gun trust is a revocable trust that owns property. That’s right, it owns property, such as NFA weapons.The trust can purchase NFA weapons in its name and all of those whom are on the trust can enjoy legally using these items. Learn more about the benefits of having a firearms trust.
By allowing your trust to purchase NFA items you personally do not have to go through the normal background process that comes with purchasing individual firearms or other regulated items like an AR-15 suppressor made in Texas.
A gun trust is not required to submit fingerprints or go through background checks when purchasing NFA items. A gun trust does not have to notify the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of its purchases. Visit our Texas Gun Trust page to learn more about how to set up a firearms trust. You may be surprised at the affordability of this legal instrument.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For A Suppressor Or Silencer In Texas ?
It can take several months for this process to complete and for you to obtain your Texas suppressor tax stamp so be patient. Note that you can purchase your suppressor from any authorized FFL dealer, even those whom are located out of the State of Texas.
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